• What I'm reading

    Shadowlands A Journey Through Lost Britain by Matthew Green

    February 15, 2022 - By 

    Although I read a lot of historical fiction, I enjoy history books too. I loved the sound of Shadowlands: A Journey Through Lost Britain by Matthew Green, a book about Britain’s lost cities, ghost towns and vanished villages. We were lucky enough to visit the ghost village of Imber on Salisbury Plain a few years ago and found the village both haunting and fascinating. I was really interested to read Shadowlands. Shadowlands: A Journey Through Lost Britain Drowned. Buried by sand. Decimated by plague. Plunged off a cliff. This is the forgotten history of Britain’s lost cities, ghost towns and…

  • Monday Happy List

    Monday Happy Things {Week 383}

    February 14, 2022 - 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. Monday Happy Things {Week 383} I’m so happy it’s half term and I have a few days off to spend with my family. Although the first half of term has flown I’m happy for a break. Last week I read Shadowlands: a Journey through Lost Britain…

  • days out - East Sussex

    Exploring 1066 country and Battle Abbey

    February 13, 2022 - By 

    It’s been a while since we had some time away exploring new places but this weekend we left London to explore 1066 country. My son has been studying 1066 and the Battle of Hastings so we thought it would be fun to go and see the site where the  Battle of Hastings took place and explore the surrounding area too. Exploring 1066 country and Battle Abbey Battle Abbey is owned by English Heritage and I decided to book our tickets online before we went. Our tickets covered the battlefield site and the ruins of the partially ruined Benedictine abbey in…

  • How to create a child-friendly garden
    Family Life

    How to create a child-friendly garden

    February 10, 2022 - By 

    With the weather we have here in the UK, it’s important to get your kids out into the garden to play whenever possible. However, the garden also needs to be a pleasant, simple, and safe space for them to play in. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of our favourite garden ideas for children, sure to make creating a child-friendly garden easy! Set up different zones You probably have toy boxes and seating in the home where you can sit in comfort and watch the children play. If this works inside the house, why not apply the same principle to…

  • The Helsingør Sewing Club by Ella Gyland
    What I'm reading

    The Helsingør Sewing Club by Ella Gyland

    February 8, 2022 - By 

    You know that I am a big fan of historical fiction so the sound of The Helsingør Sewing Club by Ella Gyland really appealed to me. We went to Denmark on our honeymoon back in 2008 and totally fell in love with the country. I was excited to learn more about its role in the Second World War. The Helsingør Sewing Club by Ella Gyland Inspired by the incredible true story of how the people of Denmark saved their Jewish neighbours during the Second World War. Helsingør, Denmark, 1943 In the midst of the German occupation during World War Two,…

  • robin hoop embroidery from Love Embroidery
    Monday Happy List

    Monday Happy Things {Week 382}

    February 7, 2022 - 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. Monday Happy Things {Week 382} We had our first trip to the cinema in months to watch Spiderman No Way Home. It was a really fun film (if a little confusing in places!). It felt good to be back at the cinema and it looks like…

  • Pet Portrait Embroidery {review}
    Craft book review - What I'm reading

    Pet Portrait Embroidery {review}

    February 5, 2022 - By 

    Our little pet is now 2 years old. I can’t believe we’ve had him in our lives for so long now but I definitely couldn’t imagine life without him. I was recently sent a copy of Pet Portrait Embroidery, published by Search Press, to review. Pet Portrait Embroidery {review} The book is titled, Pet Portrait Embroidery: Lovingly stitch your dog or cat; a modern guide to thread painting by Michelle Staub. Celebrate your pet with a modern embroidered art portrait. Michelle Staub puts a modern spin on thread painting with her easy-to-learn approach and just four embroidery stitches. Start today…

  • Easy Liberty fabric hearts
    Valentines Day crafts

    Easy Liberty fabric hearts

    February 3, 2022 - By 

    I can never resist crafting around Valentine’s Day. The days are noticeably longer in February and I love getting home from work in daylight. My stash of Liberty fabrics is really precious but I have a bag of scraps leftover from a sewing project. I thought I would use them up with this sweet and easy Liberty fabric hearts craft. It’s so easy to decorate some wooden blanks and make your own heart decorations. I used wooden craft blanks, scraps of Liberty fabric and PVA glue.  Easy Liberty fabric hearts First I sorted out my Liberty scraps, choosing those which…

  • ST&G's Eagerly Beavered Great British Wildlife & Environment Map
    Competitions - Family Life

    {Giveaway} ST&G’s Eagerly Beavered Great British Wildlife & Environment Map

    February 2, 2022 - By 

    With the Great British Birdwatch taking place this weekend – are you taking part? – it seems the perfect time to tell you about ST&G’s Eagerly Beavered Great British Wildlife & Environment Map. You may remember I featured one of their Great British Map of Wonders previously, and it’s a huge kit with the kids and a great way to learn more about Britain. ST&G’s Eagerly Beavered Great British Wildlife & Environment Map Biodiverse Britain is a natural phenomenon to be reckoned with, the perfect environment for swanning about on wild adventures. From Orkney’s orcas to the seals of Scilly,…