• Somerset

    A visit to the New Assembly Rooms Bath

    If you have a few days in Bath I would recommend a visit to the Assembly Rooms in Bath. They are owned and managed by the National Trust and you can visit by pre-booked tour only. These are known as the New Assembly Rooms as they were actually the third set to be built in Georgian Bath. Designed by John Wood the Younger and opened around 1771. A visit to the New Assembly Rooms Bath With a few days to spend exploring the pretty city of Bath we decided to use our National Trust membership card and book a guided…

  • Crafts for adults

    Botanical casting for beginners

    Have you ever tried the craft of botanical casting before? We had the children’s hand and feet cast when they were very young but not really thought about it since. So when I saw a botanical casting kit I thought it would be a fun craft to try at home. Botanical casting for beginners I bought myself a casting kit to make two sweet botanical casts. Everything was provided in the kit, although you could substitute the grasses for anything out of your own garden. As it’s February and there is nothing in my garden I was more than happy…

  • Berkshire

    Exploring Basildon Park

    Spring is all around us here in the UK so it seemed the perfect weather for a day out exploring somewhere new. With our trusty National Trust membership cards in hand we decided to visit Basildon Park, only an hour from London. Basildon Park is a Grade I listed building, built in the Palladian style. It runs regular events and you can visit the house, gardens and tea rooms. Exploring Basildon Park We were fortunate with some lovely weather so enjoyed the drive to Basildon Park in Berkshire. We picked up a map and film trail leaflet at the entrance…

  • Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 488}

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for a while over the last few years. It is 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 488} Two of my favourite things happened last week – Pancake Day and Valentines’ Day. We love pancakes and do have them every so often. Nothing beats enjoying them on Shrove Tuesday though. I ate mine with lemon and sugar whilst everyone else loaded theirs with…

  • Somerset

    Thirsty Meeples Bath {Board Game Cafe review}

    With the kids on half term we decided to have a short city break in Bath. We love Bath and have been lucky to visit many times. It is the perfect size for a short city break and has lots to offer families. We booked a fantastic apartment in a Georgian terrace just off the famous Royal Crescent within easy walking distance of the centre of Bath. Thirsty Meeples Bath {Board Game Cafe review} We love a visit to a Board Game Cafe as we love to play board games. I searched for Board Game Cafes in Bath and found…

  • Crafts for adults - Crafts for teens - Crafts for tweens - Valentines Day crafts

    Candle painting for beginners

    A few weeks ago I jumped at the chance to try my hand at candle painting. Have you heard of this craft trend? You can decorate or paint your own candles so they will match your decor. I thought this was a great opportunity to try a new craft, and make my own Valentine Day decor to brighten up our home. Candle painting, or creating decorative designs on candles, has gained popularity as a creative and customisable form of expression. People enjoy personalising their living spaces, and candle painting provides a unique way to add artistic flair to everyday items.…

  • Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 487}

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for a while over the last few years. It is 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 487} Last week just flew by because we were all looking forward to half term! The kids were only back at school for 5 weeks but it felt like a long time as the weather has been so cold and miserable. Today the sun is…

  • Valentines Day crafts

    M&S Decorate Your Own Heart Biscuit kit

    I didn’t have time to bake any gingerbread biscuits for Valentine;’s Day this year so I cheated (and saved myself some time) by picking up a little box of heart biscuits from M&S. Honestly I spent dar too much money in M&S but they have the nicest treats, especially for Christmas and Easter. I’m pretty sure I remember buying the same biscuit kit last year, but it’s something my daughter always enjoys and makes a fun after school activity. M&S Decorate Your Own Heart Biscuit kit If you are looking for heart shaped biscuits then look no further than M&S.…

  • Crafts for kids - Crafts for teens - Crafts for tweens - Valentines Day crafts

    Easy felt heart corner bookmarks for teens

    I enjoy the splash of colour which Valentine’s Day brings. The kids have been busy making handmade Valentine’s Day gifts and this year came up with a felt heart corner bookmark. These are so much fun to make and give to a friend. List of supplies: Felt Matching embroidery threads Needle Pencil or fabric marker A pair of scissors How to make felt heart corner bookmarks: Prepare the template patterns by printing the free heart template sheet, and cutting them out. Select at least 2 different coloured pieces of felt. Trace the patterns on the selected felt fabrics and then…