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In Collaborations

Make your own cola bottle pinata

April 19, 2021 37 Comments

AD – Make your own cola bottle pinata is a sponsored post and I have been compensated for my…

In My Boys

Living Arrows 16/52 {2021}

April 19, 2021 4 Comments

‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth” We have spent most…

In My Boys

Our Adventures in Pictures: 365 Week 15 {2021} A trip to Croyde Bay

April 18, 2021 8 Comments

Our second week of the Easter holidays was predominantly spent in North Devon staying at Croyde Bay Beach Resort.…

In My Boys

Living Arrows 15/52 {2021}

April 12, 2021 32 Comments

‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth” We have had the first…

In My Boys

Our Adventures in Pictures: 365 Week 14 {2021}

April 10, 2021 19 Comments

The first week of the Easter holidays has been kind to us. Catching up with family several Easter trails…

In Mum Life

Liked & Loved March 2021

April 9, 2021 36 Comments

Liked & Loved March 2021 – Some of the items in this post Liked & Loved March 2021 are…

In My Boys

Living Arrows 14/52 {2021}

April 5, 2021 15 Comments

‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth” We are officially on Easter…

In My Boys

Our Adventures in Pictures: 365 Week 13 {2021}

April 3, 2021 24 Comments

What a week! We are so ready for an Easter break for so many reasons. Sunday 28th March Slow…

In Collaborations

Review Easy Meals With SimplyCook

March 31, 2021 18 Comments

AD – Review easy meals with SimplyCook is a sponsored post I have been compensated for my time Review…

In My Boys

Living Arrows 13/52 {2021}

March 29, 2021 16 Comments

‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth” We have had a very…

In Collaborations

Learning Resources Online Easter Egg Hunt 2021

March 29, 2021 13 Comments

AD Gifted – We were given some toys in return for this post Learning Resources Online Easter Egg Hunt…

In My Boys

Our Adventures in Pictures: 365 Week 12 {2021}

March 28, 2021 21 Comments

What a difference a week makes! Reading last weeks post I was upbeat and positive. This week I do…

How to make your own sea glass
In Playtime & Craft

How to make your own sea glass

March 24, 2021 17 Comments

Please note affiliate links will be denoted with a * How to make your own sea glass! If you…

In Collaborations

Debt Awareness Week 2021

March 23, 2021 33 Comments

AD – This is a sponsored blog post – Debt Awareness Week 2021 and I have been compensated for…

In My Boys

Living Arrows 12/52 {2021}

March 22, 2021 8 Comments

‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth” I feel like we are…

Easter Gift Ideas For Kids
In Collaborations

Easter Gift Ideas For Kids – 2021

March 21, 2021 40 Comments

AD – The items included in this blog post have been gifted in return for a feature – Easter…

In My Boys

Our Adventures in Pictures: 365 Week 11 {2021}

March 20, 2021 18 Comments

Lots of flowers and plants in this week’s photos! I am definitely focusing on the garden to get me…

In Collaborations

Review abode Kitchen Sink & Tap

March 18, 2021 47 Comments

AD Gifted – we were gifted the abode Kitchen Sink & Tap in return for this blog post, all…

In My Boys

Living Arrows 11/52 {2021}

March 15, 2021 12 Comments

‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth” This week’s photos were taken…

In Collaborations

Spending time at home with Femme Luxe

March 14, 2021 14 Comments

AD – I have been gifted the items featured in this blog post and I have been compensated for my…

In My Boys

Our Adventures in Pictures: 365 Week 10 {2021}

March 14, 2021 13 Comments

The boys went back to school this week. I am keeping everything crossed that it will be the last…

Barracudas Easter Activity Day Camps 2021
In Collaborations

Barracudas Easter Activity Day Camps 2021

March 9, 2021 13 Comments

AD – This post, Barracudas Easter Activity Day Camps 2021, has been written in conjunction with Barracudas Activity Day…

In My Boys

Living Arrows 10/52 {2021}

March 8, 2021 10 Comments

‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth” Just like many of the…

In My Boys

Our Adventures in Pictures: 365 Week 9 {2021}

March 7, 2021 30 Comments

The light is at the end of the tunnel. I have mixed feelings about the boys heading back to…

Gifts for Mums Mothers Day 2021
In Mum Life

Gifts for Mums this Mothers Day 2021

March 2, 2021 136 Comments

AD Gifted – The items in this gift guide, Gifts for Mums this Mothers Day 2021, have been provided…

In My Boys

Living Arrows 09/52 {2021}

March 1, 2021 26 Comments

‘You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth” Pose in front of the…

Crocus Field
In Mum Life

Liked & Loved February 2021

February 28, 2021 17 Comments

Liked & Loved February 2021 – Some of the items in this post Liked & Loved May 2019 are…

In My Boys

Our Adventures in Pictures: 365 Week 8 {2021}

February 28, 2021 9 Comments

So the kids will be returning to school on the 8th of March. They are both very happy to…

In Collaborations

7 reasons why children should take vitamins

February 24, 2021 36 Comments

AD – This is a sponsored post and I have been compensated for my time. 7 reasons why children…

In Collaborations

9 Ways we are eating healthier during lockdown

February 22, 2021 25 Comments

AD – This is a sponsored post, I have been compensated for my time – 9 ways we are…

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AD - I have been asked to get involved with the #MyStarmixFavourite campaign. HARIBO Starmix has been around for more than 25 years and it has just got better. As it is now made with fruit juice, each piece is even tastier and there are new flavour combinations to add even more excitement. The iconic pieces – Heart, Ring, Bottle, Egg and Bear stay the same, which is just as well since we all have our favourite. The boys' favourite is the cola bottle, mine is definitely the ring! So, to celebrate the new flavours, we have been making a cola bottle piñata. 
 
Over the years it has become a family tradition to have a pinata when it is the boys' birthdays. They always really enjoy them, and it has become a fun childhood memory, just like HARIBO Starmix. Head over to the blog (link in bio) to see how simple it is to create your own.
 
I would love to know your #MyStarmixFavourite please let me know in the comments below @haribouki
AD Presstrip - Yesterday we spent all day local to @croydebayresort enjoying its stunning location. In the morning we headed over the dunes to Croyde Bay itself. Ideal for kids it is literally a five minute walk from the resort. The boys enjoyed bodyboarding and then rock pooling. Where we found mud skippers, crabs and shrimp. 

After lunch we walked out the back of the resort and headed to Baggy Point. It’s a twenty minute walk to get to the National Trust carpark and then Baggy Point is around a mile on from there. We stuck to low trail but you can go up and over. There’s lots of wildlife to spot and the views are amazing. 

We ended the day watching the sun going down over the dunes while the boys ran up and down. Using up the last of their energy. A simple, uncomplicated day of family fun out in the fresh air.
AD Presstrip - If you have been watching our stories you will know we arrived in a North Devon yesterday afternoon staying at the lovely @croydebayresort which is right next to Croyde Bay. Check out our stories for a look around our three bedroom lodge and an amazing sunset watched from the dunes a couple of minutes walk away. 

Today we headed to Clovelly which is around forty minutes from the resort by car. The 16th century privately own village is built into the hillside and has a steep cobbled high street. The boys loved seeing the donkeys, eating ice creams, playing on the pebble beaches, climbing rocks, watching a waterfall and frequenting the sweet shop. Definitely one for the list when planning a trip to Devon.
Happy Friday - felt like a long time coming this week with the kids at home and juggling work. Today we have been to a NT looking for chocolate eggs. So nice to be out and about again (safely).

I thought I would share our letter C from our U.K. A to Z travels today. As you can see from the photo it was a while ago that we visited.... Cheddar Gorge. Charlie was only five at the time and Harry just 16 months old. Plus it was in October and wet, which put pay to any walking adventures. We loved exploring the caves and would very much like to go back to Cheddar Gorge now the boys are much older.

I am still collecting inspiration for the Summer months and would love to know where your letter C is in the U.K.?
AD Gifted - Jumping into the Easter holidays! This photo was taken on Saturday when we visited grandparents outside. It was the first time the boys had seen them for about five months maybe even longer and they were very excited by the prospect. As well as that we had a lovely long Easter weekend despite the cold and the snow managing a trip to the beach, Easter Egg Trails and lots of time outdoors. 

During our adventures Harry has been wearing his new @bobuxshoes Grass Court Switch, where you can choose to change the colours of the velcro fastenings. We have long been fans of the Grass Court and I think he’s now on his third pair! Smart, colourful and comfortable they tick all the boxes.

As for the rest of the Easter break, I’ve only two more days at work left and they we are off for a little trip to the seaside for a few days. Keeping everything crossed the weather is kind to us.
Letter B in my U.K. A to Z initially was not going to be Brighton. It was going to be Brownsea Island, we had a lovely visit a couple of years ago. But then I started to think about all the things I love about Brighton and it’s history for me and realised it had to feature.

I went to Brighton university and studied Business turning down a much converted space at redbrick business school higher up the country. Much to my families disappointment, I was in love you see. Needless to say the relationship didn’t even last the first semester. But I had a great time none the less, and ended up working and eventually meeting my husband in Brighton. We moved out about 12 years ago but still visit regularly having family on the outskirts. There are many memories tangled up in this city for me. 

If you have never been it really should be on your list! This photo of the sun setting over the palace pier was taken in January 2020. When I met up with @amomentwithfranca and @zenassuitcase. It’s very apt for today with the sun setting signifying the end of a chapter with tomorrow bringing a bright new dawn full of potential. 

Where’s your letter B?
AD Gifted - Looking forward to the Easter break. The Easter tree is decorated and we did some Easter baking at the weekend. The boys don’t break up until Thursday but we’ve lots of things planned over the two weeks including seeing family at a social distance, egg hunts, a trip to the beach, National Trust wanders, a mini break (when allowed) more craft and of course baking. With the sun shining today for the first time in a long time we are feeling optimistic. 

I have been doing some sewing recently to take my mind off of everything and have totally fallen in love with these bunnies which make a lovely gift for Easter. The kits from @makebox.co include some beautiful vintage floral material along with everything else you need to make your chosen bunny. I was kindly gifted Bobby (in blue) and enjoyed making him so much that I brought Beatrix (pink) and Betsy (yellow) to keep him company. Although the boys have decided they both want Bobby ... so I may have to make another! 

What are your Easter plans?
Happy Hump Day
My plan today was to share our letter N of A to Z travel. But since the announcements about fines and all the press speculation about foreign travel I thought I would start again on places to visit in the U.K. picking up our foreign list at a later date.

So our letter A is Aldeburgh. We were fortunate to spend a couple of nights there last year in early Autumn and absolutely fell in love. It was the first time we had visited Suffolk and consequently the county is now on our radar for a break this Summer.

One of the highlights for Harry was getting his own little boat and playing with it in the boating pool right next to the beach. He still talks about it now and expects all towns to have one! Such a lovely memory to hold dear in these last 12 months of the pandemic.

Where in the U.K. would be your ‘A’
AD Gifted - Over on the blog I have been talking about starting to update our kitchen. Its the hub of our house but we've not done anything to it since we moved in thirteen years ago. It is tired and in desperate need of an update. However, rather than rip the whole thing out we have decided to do little by little and update it one element at a time. The first thing we did was change out our old sink and tap for a sparkly new one from abode. It was incredibly easy to do and I am wondering why we didn't do it earlier! 

We opted for a Xcite one and a half bowl & drainer sink in grey metallic granite and a Hesta pull out tap in brushed nickel both from @abode_home. There is lots of choice on their website with so many different sizes, designs and finishes there is something for everyone and every space. At the moment you can buy directly from their website with free delivery over £50. If you are planning a Spring makeover then head over to the blog for inspiration and to find out more - link in bio.
Thought I would share some blue sky.. this was such a beautiful place to visit and it’s beauty was totally unexpected.

This photo was taken in the last couple of years... can you guess where in the world it is?
Looking forward ...

This one skipped back into school yesterday so happy to be back with his friends. The eldest was less impressed with the fact that break time is now only fifteen minutes in the hope the extra time now spent in the classroom will allow the kids to catch up on missed work. I don’t blame him. Over dinner last night he was planning a petition to challenge it. 

But outside that little hiccup we are looking forward. Forward to seeing friends and family in real like, forward to our first trip to the beach, forward to the better weather and forward to our first mini break away over the second week of the Easter holidays. Hoping that we will be able to recreate moments like this where we didn’t have a care in the world.

Photo taken at @votre_vacances in the Summer
I wasn’t intending on not posting for a week but you know - sometimes life takes over. It’s been tough here these last few weeks. There are big changes going on workwise for both of us and it sounds like we will finally have a resolution early next week. After four months it honestly could not come soon enough. Why it takes so long so anyone’s guess. I am only resilient up to a point and I reached that about three weeks ago. Especially when you throw in the pandemic and homeschooling. 

But trying to stay on the positive side I’ve been busy planning some trips for the Summer here in the U.K. Escapism as a family unit is exactly what we need right now. I am thinking lots of outside time, fresh air, fields, hills and mountains as far as you can see! With maybe the odd beach and waterfall thrown in for good measure. 

Hit me with some inspiration - your favourite places in the U.K. I’ve five weeks of Summer holidays to fill 😍 and so far only have plans for two.
AD Gifted | Charlie has been designing his own Mythical LEGO® creature to take part in an amazing new competition that LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort are running until the 1st of March. 

This is to celebrate the brand new world , LEGO® MYTHICA: World of Mythical Creatures. Which is coming to  L​EGOLAND Windsor Resort in Spring 2021. The new world will be the single biggest expansion to the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort since its opening 25 years ago. 

LEGO MYTHICA will be an addition on an epic scale featuring thrilling new attractions and experiences, including a never-before-seen UK ride. To spread the word L​EGOLAND Windsor Resort we are hosting a competition. Encouraging children across the whole country to build or draw their very own mythical creatures.

One lucky winner will be given the opportunity to shape the world of LEGO MYTHICA forever and have their very own mythical creature brought to life on an EPIC scale as a 6ft tall LEGO model within the new land. The winner will also attend an unveiling ceremony and place the final brick on their model; as well as receiving an overnight stay at one of the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort hotels and a premium LEGOLAND Annual Pass for their family (up to 5) and a goodie bag. Four lucky runner-ups also have the chance to win 4 x family tickets to the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and a goodie bag.

The boys are so excited and already working on another entry determined to win this amazing prize!! To enter head over to the website LEGOLAND.co.uk/Create. Which I have added to my bio for ease! 

Please note the competition closes on 1st March 2021.
AD - Over on the blog today I have been talking about the reasons why you may want to consider giving your children a vitamin supplement. Both boys take a multivitamin and separate vitamin D supplement each day. Recently we discovered and switched to @Avacarevitamins who are a new family focused food supplement brand. I really like that the company was created by three dads, so they get it. 

And these three dads have both a Pharmaceutical and Nutritionalist background. They spotted an opportunity to create something to better their own families. It is reassuring to know that everything they have developed they give their own children. Their vegan supplements come in clear packaging which is simple to understand, they are in liquid form which means they are easily absorbed into the system. The boys like the flavours which is always a win. Head over to the blog to find out more and also for a chance to win your own immunity box including supplements for both children and adults.
AD | I am really living for our woodland walks at the moment. We are so lucky to have this right on our doorstep. We squelch around in the mud, jump in puddles and climb trees. It is exactly what the boys need. Recently we have been spending a longer time exploring and so I have started to pack snacks for the boys.
 
To look after myself as well, I have been packing these ZENB Veggie Bites. They are so handy as they come in resealable pouches so perfect for when we are off exploring. They are veggie-first snacks complemented with an enticing blend of fruit, nuts and spices and come in five different flavours. Along with ZENB Veggie Sticks, they are vegan, organic, gluten-free, a source of fibre and free from artificial flavours and preservatives. 
 
Head over to the blog to read more about ZENB and why I like them so much. Plus, there is a 10% discount code if you fancy giving them a go yourself.
Sharing a beach photo because I feel like I need to see some sand and sea! It will definitely be the first place we head to once we can move around a bit more. Other than seeing family of course. Although this was taken in France over the Summer in Vendee. 

Our weekend plans look like mainly gardening, seed sowing and some geocaching - fingers crossed the weather forecast is right for Saturday. How’s half term treated you?
AD  I don’t know about you but the working life, homeschooling, parenting act is starting to take its toll. Trying to divide my time between my full time job and ensuring that both boys meet their homeschooling commitments. While trying to keep the house clean and everyone fed and dressed means something has to give. And unsurprisingly it is normally me! There is not a lot of self care going on over here. I have been known to go and sit in the car on the driveway to get five minutes to myself.
 
One thing I have been particularly bad on is food. Not finding the time to eat properly and we all know that’s a vicious circle. I have been trying to make more of an effort over the last week and I am already feeling so much better. To help I have been snacking on @zenb_uk Veggie Bites and ZENB Veggie Sticks.
 
ZENB is a new, organic, plant-based brand that strives to give customers the opportunity to eat delicious on-the-go snacks, whilst also being respectful of the resources of our natural environment. The company believes in including as much of the whole vegetable as possible, including the parts often discarded such as the peel, skin, stem and seeds to help raise awareness around issues of food waste.
 
So not only am I doing right by myself, but I feel like I am also doing right by our world as well. Head over to the blog to read more about ZENB and why I like them so much. Plus you can use MUDPIE10 at checkout for a 10% discount if you fancy giving them a go yourself.

#ZENBUK #ZENBBites #ZENBSticks #FoodRediscovered #VeggieSnacks #onthegosnack
[AD] Yay for half term! I don't know about you but it has felt a long time coming! Although half term will look different for us this year we are looking forward to crafting and baking more. At the weekend the boys and I had some fun making a start on some craft kits we were sent by @createandcrafttv. Harry has particularly enjoyed making some multicoloured aliens from pearl clay which we had never tried before. The finished set is now sitting on his bookcase and I often catch him acting out little alien adventures. Charlie who you really have to tempt away from his iPad had had lots of fun creating marble patterns and prints. So much so that the set is coming out again today 

Create & Craft have even sent me a felting kit for when I get some much-needed downtime over this coming week. If you have not heard of Create & Craft before they are the UK's first TV channel dedicated to crafting and they also have an online shop, where they stock all manner of crafts. So whether you are into baking, jewellery making, papercraft, sewing or just general crafting there is something for everyone. Find out more over on the blog - link in bio
Gifted  It’s Friday so we headed to the woods again. It has definitely become one of our new traditions this lockdown. Thanks to @welovefrugi new unisex collection in collaboration with the @nationaltrust , the boys were kitted out and ready to enjoy some fun. I just love the puffin pattern. We were lucky enough to see them on a boat trip in the Summer and it takes me right back!

Frugi are an ethical company that produces GOTS certified organic cotton clothes and outerwear, and backpacks made from recycled plastic bottles. Proceeds from this range go towards helping our coastal areas and the wildlife that live there.
Gifted  Someone has had great fun playing with his new @playmobil Volkswagen Beetle and Camper Van. With so much thought gone into the construction of these iconic vehicles and accompanying figures it’s hard not to. As a bit of a Volkswagen fan I must admit I am thinking about secretly stealing them for myself! As we had both of these cars for our Wedding! Albeit in white. There will be a full review up on the blog soon.

Do your kids have toys that you would secretly like to steal for yourself?
Totally hanging onto Fridays and our muddy walks in the woods! 

But instead of dwelling on what we can’t control I’m looking for the silver linings and there’s actually quite a few!

How’s your week going?
AD  Over the last few months Charlie has developed a keen interest in cooking. Even asking for a set of knives for Christmas. So he was excited to try out a new recipe which Maple from Canada U.K. and Cook School have developed. The recipe features in one of their newly released interactive workbooks and recipe videos for children. 

The workbooks cover three different age groups 3-5 year olds (EYFS), 5-7 year olds (Key Stage 1) and 7-11 year olds (Key Stage 2). Perfect for home schooling, not only does each work book have two recipes but it also includes activities and a list of key skills learnt when completing the book. A much needed break from complicated maths equations and phonics. Each workbook also has a video that accompanies it and has proved so far a useful motivation tool in getting the rest of the school work done. 

Charlie made these Cream Cheese Pineapple and Maple Pizzettes. Which as you can see from the photo he is extremely proud of. They tasted delicious and as he informed us he will be making the again and experimenting with different fruit toppings. They do make a great lunchtime snack. Of course you must not forget the secret ingredient of Canadian Maple Syrup. Coming in four different grades which are represented in the colour of the syrup. Flavours vary from a golden delicate taste where the maple sap is harvested at the beginning of the season. To very dark which gives a much stronger richer taste harvested at the end of the season. Meaning as an ingredient is it extremely versatile and it is also a natural source of energy.

The free to access work books are available from the Maple from Canada U.K. website. Download yours today to help with your homeschooling journey. @maplecanadauk @cookschoolclub
AD Gifted  Charlie had a blast at the weekend trying out Mario Kart Live with @nintendouk. It is so much fun steering around your very own Mario through real life gates and finish lines.

It brings a whole new element to the game. We loved it so much that today we actually had Luigi arrive (not a gift) so we can run both cars together. The boys are already taking bets on who is going to beat Daddy first. 

Mario Kart has definitely come on a long way since I was a little girl.
So it’s officially Ground Hog Day, I can’t help but think of the irony of this fact! Today I received our National Trust Handbook through and so tonight I’m going to  spend some time writing a list of the ones we hope to visit when we are allowed. At least that way something positive will come out of today and I do like a plan and a list! 

Whats on your list for l when we can travel within the U.K. again?
AD Gifted. The photo on this @moonpig card was taken two years ago when the husband and I walked across the o2 ... although it feels like yesterday. What a year 2019 turned our to be! 

Unsurprisingly we will be spending Valentine’s Day at home this year. But to be honest ever since having kids thats not unusual for us. So we’ve had plenty of practice at making it special. Over on the blog I’ve been sharing some original ways to celebrate and also some ideas of things you can do with the kids. Plus show casing some of the wide choice of gifts you can buy from Moonpig.  Had no idea there was so much choice! 

What are your plans for Valentine’s Day this year?
AD Gifted - Over the weekend this one got his first taste of Animal Crossing New Horizons and I think his face says it all. He has really enjoyed setting up his own paradise. It’s something that we can play together, but there is also a really handy game guide called Tom Nook who is on hand to help. We can’t wait to get to know the different characters and grow our little island further.

Nintendo have just released a new bundle, which consist of a Switch Light, Animal Crossing and a 3 month Nintendo Switch Life membership.  It’s going to really help in our working from home juggling act! 

Have you tried Animal Crossing yet? @nintendouk
I won’t lie I was dreading today but actually we seem to have a new routine that worked well today so fingers crossed it continues for the rest of the week.

Somehow we missed the snow that was forecast (92% chance) yesterday so instead of sharing the boys planning in the snow like I had thought I would. I’m casting my mind back to this photo taken in France over the Summer and reminding myself better days will come. How was your Monday?
Heading into the weekend and looking forward to spending time at home. We’ve the last of the cupboards to put together for this ones newly decorated room. I’ve ordered all the veg seeds and plan on clearing some of the veg beds ready for planting next month. Assuming the forecast snow doesn’t actually make an appearance and then I’m sure there will be craft and board games to keep the boys happy. 

I don’t know about you but I really relish the weekends at the moment. There maybe also be the odd gin and tonic for the adults .... with the thought of homeschooling until Easter I think we definitely deserve it!

Wallpaper gifted by @muralswallpaper and flowerpot from @redcandyuk as part of a previous collaboration
This is one of my favourite beach photos taken in the Summer at Newquay bay. A far cry from the wet and windy day we have had. But I am not sharing it to depress you. I am sharing it to help raise awareness.

The ocean is our greatest hope in tackling climate change as it absorbs over 90% of heat and almost a third of all carbon dioxide that humans have ever produced. BUT right now our ocean is in crisis.

💚💙🌊

Thank you for the nomination @captainbobcatblog I am sharing my #oceanselfie to help raise awareness and have signed the petition to support @wwf_uk and @skyzeroofficial  in putting pressure on the UK government to take action to protect our oceans!

💚💙🌊

Please check out the link in my bio to sign the petition.

💚💙🌊

I am nominating @twins.and.travels , @flashpacking_family and @childrenofwanderlust to share your Ocean Selfie sign the petition and nominate 3 others 💙💚
CLOSED ⭐️G I V E A W A Y⭐️

AD Last week and over the weekend while homeschooling Harry and I managed to squeeze in some Spring crafting. He loves to craft because of the one on one time it gives us. I must admit its a useful tool to help encourage him to focus on his school work as well! Plus it brings other educational benefits such as fine motor skills which will help his pencil control. We made some hanging birds and also painted some bird feeders which are going down really well with the local wildlife in the garden. For me its a nice break from the monotony that I am sure we are all feeling at the moment!

If your would like to create your own crafting memories over the coming weeks. The lovely people at Baker Ross have given my followers the chance to win a craft bundle of their own and one for a friend as well. Each bundle will be made up of a selection of seasonal crafts up to the value of £30. So that’s £60 worth of crafts!

To ENTER:
⭐ Like this photo
⭐ Follow @bakerrossltd and @mudpiefridays
⭐Comment by tagging the friend you would like Baker Ross to send a crafting bundle to should you win
⭐Please Note - Winners will be validated and we will never ask for personal details such as bank accounts or ask you to click on links. Should you receive a message from us to this effect it be a scam no matter how realistic it looks and should be ignored.

⭐TERMS & CONDITIONS⭐

▪️There is no cash alternative and it is not transferable. The winner will be able to nominate one friend only. Regardless of the amount of tags they have submitted 
▪️Open to residents of the UK and Ireland only over the age of 18
▪️Ends Monday the  25th of January at Midnight the winner will be selected at random and announced on this post by @mudpiefridays
▪️This competition is no way affiliated or sponsored by Instagram or any other social media platform. We reserve the right to withdraw or change the giveaway at any time.
Yay it’s Friday

I wonder how many other parents sigh in relief that another home schooling week is over? It’s not been a great week here as I’ve left factors that I can’t influence or control get them better of me! But today signals the start of the weekend. And although we can’t get to a beach we can at least head outside and get some fresh air. The boys are keeping everything crossed that we will finally get some snow. Maybe I should start sharing their optimism. 

How was your week?

Photo taken at @croydebayresort
How’s everyone getting on? Homeschooling and working juggling act is starting to take its toll here. Which has got me dreaming about previous escapes when we had no idea this was coming. In November 2019 I went to Marrakech with some girl friends to celebrate my 40th. What I wouldn’t do to be back there right now! Which is why my M for my A to Z travel challenge is 🇲🇦 Marrakech . 

Have you ever been? Near or far what’s your letter M?
We are running into the weekend. I am so grateful that I didn’t go back to work on a Friday once Harry started school. To think I was giving it serious consideration. Somehow four days of homeschooling and work juggling feels so much more doable than five! If they both get their work done then Friday is a day off for them too. Bribery is definitely our teaching technique in this house.

I’m sure these muddy paths will feature in our weekend plans. There’s also furniture building ahead. Charlie has a new desk and bed combination and we are still putting the finishing touches to Harry’s room. So plenty to be doing. Although all this time at home is making me think about a new bathroom, kitchen and garden room... my poor suffering husband will be more than happy to travel again when we are allowed.... or maybe that’s my plan all along?

Happy weekend I think some R&R is well deserved this week. What are your plans?
Since we are in lockdown again i though I would start up the A to Z travel challenge that I did such a bad job with last time round! Can you believe I only got to letter L! So our L is Le Mont Saint Michel in Normandy France. On entering the Island you feel as though you have been transported back in time to a Medieval fairytale. Definitely one for the bucket list for when we can travel again. Near or far where is your letter L?

In other news homeschooling today did not go as planned. The boys instead choosing to create giant wotsits! See my stories. Some days you win and some days you loose. On those loosing days there is always wine or gin or both!
Happy New Year - We had a wonderful Christmas break in our little family bubble. I won’t lie I wasn’t really looking forward to going back to normality today (or as close as it can be at the moment). But we have lots of lovely memories to get us through the next few weeks. 

I’m not one for lots of resolutions but one thing I am going to do is take a little bit more time for myself. Especially at the moment when stress levels are rising. One thing I really enjoy doing is crafting. I am already on my second project of making some rainbow bunting. But this was my first [Gifted] a beautiful Partridge in a Pear Tree Wreath from @makebox.co. With everything you need in the kit it makes crafting so easy!
MERRY CHRISTMAS 
It may not be the one we hoped for but we will still have a wonderful festive season together as a family of four. The excitement levels are rising and the presents under the tree are already being poked and prodded. Craft and baking activities are being enjoyed and the adults are grateful for a full wine rack! I am looking forward to soaking up the festive spirit 😉 and enjoying making memories. They maybe different but they will still be special. So for this reason I’m taking a break from the grid until the New Year. Although I will still be on stories recording what we get up to for prosperity. 

So let me take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas from mine to yours. And thank you so much for every like, share and comment on my little corner of the internet. I am and always will be very grateful for every one and the benefits it brings us as a family.

Photo taken by the very talented @samphirephotography
#ad We were so lucky to visit France this year  taking the car over with @brittanyferries is so easy I even managed to take the boys on my own. Of course having the car gives us complete flexibility and allowed us to see parts of the region we wouldn’t be able to without it. Such as the  highlight of our trip, which without doubt was visiting Nantes and Les Machines de I’ile. 

The boys enjoyed visiting the interactive museum where they got to see a huge mechanical spider in action. As well as riding in a deep sea creature on the carousel. But for me my favourite part was riding in this beautiful mechanical elephant. After our ride was over the boys got drenched playing in the water that it shoots from its trunk. 

I will be forever grateful that we managed to get away this Summer. We have some wonderful memories to look back on despite it being a difficult year. I can’t wait to make some more next year  @franceFR you are without doubt on our list for 2021!

@paysdelaloiretourisme #ExploreFrance #franceFR #LongingToSeeYou
#ad Ever since I was given a book as a little girl I’ve loved Claude Monet’s paintings. So I was delighted when we got a chance to visit his house and gardens in Giverny, Normandy. 

We stopped there on the way back to the U.K. before picking up our @brittanyferries. It was stunning the gardens were everything I had imagined and I loved looking around the house with its colourful rooms. But the water lilies really did steal the show! It was so tranquil, my only regret is that we didn’t have as much time as I had hoped to explore the rest of the attraction. Of course that gives me ample excuse to go back when we can. 

Until then I will be busy planning our return trip.  @franceFR @normandy_tourism #ExploreFrance #LongingToSeeYou
AD - Charlie has recently discovered a new book which he is absolutely fascinated by. I have not seen him as interested in a book for the longest time! He loves it so much that he has taken it to school to read which is a first. And he came home from school asking to buy his friends copies for Christmas. So it sounds like it was a real hit with them too. 

I am not surprised asAdam Kay’s new children’s book, Kay’s Anatomy introduces children and their grownups to the weird and wonderful world of human biology and shows us that learning about the human body can be as fun and entertaining as sharing a book at bedtime. It is aimed at curious kids aged 7 - 9, so at 8 Charlie is exactly the right age. Check out my stories to hear an extract read by Charlie all about beetroot poo! 
@PuffinBooksUK @amateuradam #kaysanatomy
AD – Gift giving could look very different this year but I still want to make sure I can give my loved ones a perfect gift, even with the restrictions in place because of the pandemic. This why I’m working with @one4all.uk again this year. The One4all Gift Card is a multi-store gift card that can be spent at over 55,000 retail outlets nationwide and some online too! With that many retailers, there is so much choice so there is bound to be something for everyone, including M&S for festive treats, Virgin Experience Days for the adventure seeker, John Lewis for those that like a little luxury and my personal favourite, Fat Face (where I would happily buy the whole shop given half the chance).
 
You can purchase the One4all Gift Card in Post Offices, while doing your weekly shop at Tesco, Morrisons and Co-op, or online at one4all.com. It’s also available as a digital gift card that can be sent instantly to your family and friends via email or text. Plus, they also have a new Favourites Gift Card range that recipients can spend in selected stores that match their interest. You can choose from Beauty & Spa, Home & Garden or Gamers. Give the perfect gift this Christmas with a One4all Gift Card. 
 
@one4all.uk #one4allgiftcard #christmasgift #happygifting
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