• The Secrets of Flowers by Sally Page
    book review

    The Secrets of Flowers by Sally Page

    July 19, 2024 - By 

    A few weeks ago I was browsing NetGalley for some books to read. Although I had already snagged a copy of The Story Spinner I couldn’t resist asking to read The Secrets of Flowers by Sally Page too. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Sally Page is also the author or The Keeper of Stories and The Book of Beginnings. The Secrets of Flowers by Sally Page Follow the flowers and you will find your way home… One year after her husband’s death Emma has become a wallflower, hiding among the brighter blooms in the florist where she works. But…

  • lifestyle

    Summer Motoring Checklist for Mums – Here’s How to Take Better Care of Your Vehicle

    July 18, 2024 - By 

    No one expects a busy mum to have a pristine vehicle, but there are some basic maintenance tasks that every driver should be aware of and that are easy enough to do, even as you race from the school run to the office to afternoon activities to the supermarket and everywhere in between. Let’s have a quick look at a summer motoring checklist for mums that will help you to take better care of your vehicle. Keep It Clean The best way to make sure your car stays in good condition is to keep an eye on it. It can…

  • Ooni pizza oven
    Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 508}

    July 15, 2024 - By 

    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 508} Last week I made a delicious elderflower and lemon cake, I found the recipe in a previous issue of The Simple Things magazine. We used homemade elderflower syrup as we managed to pick elderflower a few times this season and made the cordial using the recipe…

  • competition

    {Giveaway} Make A Vision Board

    July 12, 2024 - By 

    A few weeks ago we shared our review of Make A Vision Board by CanDace Johnson, published by Laurence King. This book is a source book which can help you make a vision board, one of the most powerful manifesting tools for creating the life you want. Make a Vision Board provides you with everything you need to get started. The author CanDace Johnson guides you through step-by-step instructions to create a vision board and manifest from a place of abundance. The book includes: An introduction to manifestation and guidance on creating a vision board ritual 1000+ carefully curated images, plus…

  • homestyle - interiors

    Creating Colourful Flower Gifts for Christmas and Easter

    July 11, 2024 - By 

    The holiday seasons of Christmas and Easter are perfect times to give homemade presents because of the uniqueness of the occasion. Flowers are essential to these joyful, historic, and goodwill holidays. This post will go over some basic flower-making techniques that anybody can use to make bright and cheery housewarming presents. We’ll take care of every detail, from choosing the most colourful flowers to adding special touches to your arrangements.  Selecting the Perfect Flowers  The first step in making celebratory gift arrangements is to select the perfect flowers. Beautiful holiday bouquets made with seasonal flowers are the best way to…

  • What I'm reading

    The Story Spinner by Barbara Erskine

    July 10, 2024 - By 

    I feel like I’ve been on a bit of a roll with my reading recently. Every year I challenge myself to read a certain number of books, and this year my Goodreads 2024 Reading Challenge is set at 35 books. Now I no longer read with the kids (sob) I have more time to read my own books. I miss those young adult books but my TBR pile is huge 🙂 I was delighted to receive an ARC of The Story Spinner via NetGalley. The Story Spinner by Barbara Erskine The land of the Silures, 382 AD Elen is a…

  • Family Life

    How to Build a Family-Friendly Garden Your Kids Will Love

    July 9, 2024 - By 

    Your garden is a haven for your family, a place where you can all relax and enjoy the outdoors together. It is the perfect spot for creating memories and bonding with loved ones. Kids especially love spending time in the garden, exploring nature, and getting their hands dirty. They are naturally curious and have a great sense of adventure, making it an ideal place to learn and play. However, creating a family-friendly garden isn’t just about getting those quality railway sleepers for a fort or planting colourful flowers. It takes careful planning and consideration to create a safe and enjoyable…

  • dog at polling station 2024
    Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 507}

    July 8, 2024 - By 

    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 507} Last week I finished reading The Story Spinner by Barbara Erskine thanks to an ARC from NetGalley. I’ve read one of her books before (The Dream Weavers) and really enjoyed it, The Story Spinner was equally good. We enjoyed our chance to vote during the General…

  • Flower Granny Square tutorial
    Crafts for adults - Crafts for teens

    Flower Granny Square tutorial

    July 6, 2024 - By 

    Crochet is a great craft. There’s nothing more satisfying than creating something out of a ball of yarn and a crochet hook. Ive shred a few crochet tutorials but today I’m going back to basics with a simple Granny Square. This is the building block of throws and blankets, and when you can master one square , you can make more and more in any colour! List of Supplies: Yarn Crochet hook – 3.5mm A pair of scissors Needle Stitches (crochet abbreviations) used for this project Magic ring/ loop – MR Chain stitch – CH Double Crochet – DC Treble…