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.

Summer Holidays edit {Week 357}

We had a wonderful week on the Isle of Wight, staying in a tiny cottage in East Cowes. We know the place well so didn’t feel the need to rush around, instead revisiting some of our favourites places. The kids loved playing on the beaches at Ryde and Ventnor, we took the dog for a walk around Carisbrooke Castle, and watched the sun set on Gurnard Beach. We discovered the amazing Snacks and Ladders Board Game Cafe and enjoyed brunch at Briddlesford Farm.

You may remember a few weeks ago we visited our local egg vending machine in Ruislip. Whilst we were away we discovered a milk vending machine! We bought glass bottles and were able to fill them with fresh milk and even milkshakes! The kids loved them and the milk tasted amazing!

Although I packed some sewing with me I bought a Cotton Clara hoop embroidery kit from TKMaxx whilst we were away. I couldn’t resist the fact it was printed on green with the words We Rise By Lifting Others. It didn’t take long to stitch but was a lovely relaxing project.

I always seen to read a lot more over the school holidays and finished Daughters of War by Dinah Jefferies. She’s one of my favourite authors and I always enjoy historical fiction. I read this in a few days and it’s the first in a trilogy so I’m looking forward to the next instalment.

My sister wanted some signs for her garden so I used my Cricut to cut some vinyl. I don’t use it as much as I should and it felt good to have a little project. I sanded some recycled wooden slats, varnished them and applied the outdoor vinyl before giving them another coat of varnish. Hopefully they will withstand the weather and last a good few years.

Have a great week!